Equipment mounting systems and processes thereof

ABSTRACT

An equipment mounting system for mounting equipment to a support structure is described. An equipment mounting system including: (i) a mounting plate having defined therein a plate aperture of a particular shape; (ii) a bolt having a shaft portion including a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion that is of a complementary shape that complements the particular shape of the plate aperture; and (iii) a washer having defined therein a scored aperture that includes multiple radially extending scorings. in an assembled configuration of the mounting plate, the bolt and the washer, the plate aperture of the particular shape aligns with the scoring aperture such that both of the plate aperture and the scoring aperture receive the non-threaded portion of the complementary shape, and the particular shape of the mounting plate engages with the complementary shape of the bolt to prevent rotational displacement of the bolt around the mounting plate.

FIELD

The present teachings generally relate to equipment mounting systems andprocesses relating thereto. More particularly, the present teachingsrelate to improved equipment mounting systems and processes that use amounting plate to secure equipment (e.g., solar modules) to a supportstructure e.g, rooftop).

BACKGROUND

Conventional equipment mounting systems use numerous interconnectingcomponents to mount equipment to a support structure. Unfortunately,they are typically heavy and involve a cumbersome assembly process. Byway of example, heavy and complicated conventional equipment mountingsystems suffer from increased transportation costs and installationcosts. To this end, specialized equipment such as lifts or cranes aretypically needed to lift components of the module mounting systems fromthe ground to a support structure typically located high above theground. Moreover, complicated designs, which require numerouscomponents, prolong the equipment installation process.

What is, therefore, needed are novel solutions for effectively mountingequipment to support structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To this end, the present arrangements and teachings provide improvedequipment mounting systems and methods relating thereto. The presentequipment mounting systems, among other things, effectively and simplysecure equipment to a support structure. In one aspect, the presentarrangements provide an improved equipment mounting systems. An exemplarimproved equipment mounting system includes: (i) a mounting plate; (ii)a bolt; and (iii) a washer. The mounting plate has defined therein, ator near a center region, a plate aperture of a particular shape. Thebolt has a shaft portion including a threaded portion and a non-threadedportion that is of a complementary shape that complements the particularshape of the plate aperture. The washer having defined therein, at ornear a center region, a scored aperture that includes multiple radiallyextending scorings.

In an assembled configuration of the equipment mounting system, theplate aperture of the particular shape aligns with the scoring aperturesuch that both of the plate aperture and the scoring aperture receivewith the non-threaded portion of the complementary shape. Moreover, theparticular shape of the mounting plate engages with the complementaryshape of the bolt to prevent rotational displacement of the bolt aroundthe mounting plate.

In one implementation of the present arrangements, the washer includesmultiple engaging portions, each of which is defined between tworadially extending scorings. The multiple engaging portions protrude inone direction, and in the assembled configuration, protrude away fromthe mounting plate to provide spring loading action towards the plate.In a preferred implementation of the present arrangements, the multipleengaging portions engage with the bolt to prevent translationaldisplacement of the bolt relative to the mounting plate.

Both surfaces of the washer, in one embodiment of the presentarrangements, have applied thereon an adhesive that serves as asubstantially water-proof seal. In the assembled configuration, a firstsurface of the washer adheres to a second surface of the mounting plate.The adhesive of the second surface of the washer is designed to adhereto a top surface of a sealing patch.

In another embodiment of the present arrangements, a second sealingwasher surrounds a shaft portion of the bolt and is adjacent to a bottomsurface of the sealing patch. A first adhesive layer secures a firstsurface of the second sealing washer to the sealing patch and a secondadhesive layer secures a second surface of the second sealing washer tothe mounting plate.

The bolt, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, includes asealing groove designed to receive a sealing ring, and in the assembledconfiguration, the sealing ring seals an underside surface of themounting plate. Moreover, in the assembled configuration, the sealingring contacts and is compressed by presence of a first surface of themounting plate.

In another aspect, the present arrangements provide an improved bolt.The bolt includes a head portion and a shaft portion. The bold headportion includes a protruding region and an underside region. Theunderside region has defined therein a sealing groove that is designedto receive a sealing ring. The shaft portion connects to the headportion, and the shaft portion has a threaded portion and a non-threadedportion that is of a complementary shape. In an assembled configuration,the bolt engages with a mating component such that the complementaryshape of the bolt complements and engages with a particular shape of themating component to prevent rotational displacement of the bolt relativeto the mating component.

In one implementation of the present arrangements, the sealing ring isan o-ring. In another implementation of the present arrangements, thenon-threaded portion includes a complementary shape that is asubstantially square shape and another shape that is substantiallycircular.

In another aspect, the present teachings also provide methods ofassembling an equipment mounting system. In one exemplar implementationof the present teachings, the method, among other salient steps,includes: (i) obtaining a bolt including a head portion and a shaftportion. The head portion has a protruding region and an undersideregion, which has defined therein a sealing groove that is designed toreceive a sealing ring. The shaft portion, which connects to the headportion, has a threaded portion and a non-threaded portion that is of acomplementary shape.

Other salient steps in the above-mentioned method includes: (ii)installing a sealing ring inside the sealing groove to form a sealingbolt; (iii) inserting the sealing bolt through a plate aperture of aparticular shape defined at or near a center region of a mounting platesuch that the sealing ring contacts a first surface of the mountingplate; (iv) obtaining a washer having defined therein, at or near acenter region, an aperture having multiple radially extending scorings;(v) engaging the aperture with the bolt such that the multiple engagingportions of the washer, each of which is defined between two radiallyextending scorings, protrude away from the mounting plate; and (vi)applying a force that drives the washer towards a non-threaded portionof the bolt to provide spring loading action towards the mounting plateand compresses the sealing ring against a first surface of the mountingplate.

The construction and method of operation of the present teachings andarrangements, however, together with additional objects and advantagesthereof, will be best understood from the following descriptions ofspecific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanyingfigures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of an equipment mounting system, accordingto one embodiment of the present arrangements, that couples to a supportstructure, such as a rooftop, on one side and couples to equipment onanother side, and wherein the equipment mounting system includes a bolt,a mounting plate, and a washer.

FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the bolt shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the washer shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A shows a cross-section view of an equipment mounting system,according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, in a partiallyassembled state and wherein the washer is not engaged with anon-threaded portion of the bolt.

FIG. 4B shows a cross-section view of the equipment mounting system ofFIG. 4A in an assembled state and wherein the washer is engaged with anon-threaded portion of the bolt.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an assembled equipment mountingsystem, according to one embodiment of the present arrangements, that issecured to a support structure and provides a moisture impermeablebarrier.

FIG. 6 shows a process flow diagram of a method, according to oneembodiment of the present teachings, of assembling an equipment mountingsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present teachings andarrangements. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the artthat the present teachings and arrangements may be practiced withoutlimitation to some or all of these specific details. In other instances,well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order tonot unnecessarily obscure the present teachings and arrangements.

The present teachings and arrangements provide improved equipmentmounting systems and processes relating thereto that are discussed ingreater detail below. The equipment mounting systems facilitate, amongother things, an ability to transport, to an installation site, variouscomponents of the equipment mounting system in an unassembled state.These components may then be quickly and easily assembled to form themounting equipment assembly and to a support structure. Transportationof an unassembled equipment mounting system reduces shipping cost asmore components may be transported in a finite amount of space thanfully assembled equipment mounting systems. Moreover, during operationaluse of the equipment mounting systems, a damaged component may bereplaced with new components, thus increasing an overall lifespan of theequipment mounting system.

Additionally, the equipment mounting systems minimizes transmission ofmoisture, though the equipment mounting systems, to the supportstructure, which may result in severe damages and costly repairs to thesupport structure. By way of example, the equipment mounting systemutilizes sealing rings to prevent transmission of moisture betweencomponents of the mounting equipment assembly when it is fullyassembled.

FIG. 1 shows an equipment mounting system 100, according to oneembodiment of the present teaching, which includes a mounting plate 102,a bolt 104, and a washer 106. Bolt 104 includes a shaft portion 130 anda head portion 132.

Mounting plate 102 has defined therein a plate aperture 118, a raisedcenter region 120, one or more securing apertures 122, and one or moreraised concentric regions 124. Plate aperture 118 is defined at or neara center region of mounting plate 102. In a preferred embodiment of thepresent arrangements, plate aperture 118 is an aperture of a particularshape (hereafter also referred to as a “plate aperture of a particularshape”). In a more preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, theshape is a quadrupedal.

Moreover, plate aperture 118, as shown in FIG. 1, is defined in a raisedcenter region 120. Raised center region 120 forms a cavity on anunderside of mounting plate 102 and, in an assembled configuration, aleast some of shaft portion 130 of bolt 104 protrudes through plateaperture 118 and head portion 132 of bolt 104 resides in the cavity onthe underside of mounting plate 102.

In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, mounting plate102 is substantially circular and includes one or more raised concentricregions 124 to provide rigidity to mounting plate 102. Presence of oneor more raised concentric regions 124 inhibits mounting plate 102 fromflexing during installation and operation of equipment mounting system100.

In another preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, mountingplate 102 includes one or more securing apertures 122 to facilitatesecuring mounting plate 102 to a support structure (e.g., supportstructure 550 of FIG. 5. In an assembled state of equipment mountingsystem 100, a fastener (e.g., a screw, nail, or bolt) extends through atleast one of one or more securing apertures 122 and into the supportstructure to secure mounting plate 102 to the support structure.

Mounting plate 102 is made from at least one material selected from agroup comprising: stainless steel, steel, titanium, bronze, copper,polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), high-density polyethylene (“HDPE”),polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (“ABS”), acetal, plastic,wood, glass fiber and resin. In a preferred embodiment of the presentarrangements, mounting plate is made from stainless steel.

Regardless of the shape and dimensions involved in making mounting plate102, Shaft portion 130 of bolt 104 extends through a plate aperture 118of mounting plate 102 and a scored aperture of washer 106. Moreover,mounting plate 102 is preferably sandwiched between a head portion 132of bolt 104 and washer 106.

Extending shaft portion 130. in one embodiment of the presentarrangements, extends from head portion 132. An underside region (e.g.,underside region 244 of FIG. 2) of head portion 132 includes a sealinggroove 134, which is designed to receive a sealing ring 112. Bolt 104with sealing ring 112 installed inside sealing groove 134 is alsoreferred to as a sealing bolt. In an assembled configuration ofequipment mounting system 100, sealing ring 112 provides a seal betweenmounting plate 102 and bolt 104.

Washer 106, in one embodiment of the present arrangements, includesmultiple extending scores 116 surround scored aperture 114 and radiallyextend into washer 106, An engaging portion 115 of washer 106 is definedbetween two adjacent extending scores 116 and, in an assembled state ofequipment mounting system 100, engages with a shaft portion 130 of bolt104 in a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, washer 106includes multiple engaging portions 115 and, as will be described ingreater detail below, the engagement between shaft portion 130 of bolt104 and multiple engaging portions 115 prevent translation displacementof bolt 104 relative to mounting plate 102.

Washer 106 is made from at least one material selected from a groupcomprising: spring steel, steel, stainless steel, copper aluminum,titanium, iron, bronze, zinc, copper, PVC, nylon, HDPE, polypropylene,ABS, and acetal. In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements,washer 106 is made from spring steel.

In a preferred embodiment of the present teachings, an adhesive isapplied to one or both surfaces of washer 106. A first adhesive layer108, which is applied to a first washer surface (e.g., first washersurface 326 of FIG. 3) of washer 106, secures washer 106 to anotherinstallation component (e.g., sealing patch 554 of FIG. 5) that isadjacent to washer 106. A second adhesive layer 110, which is applied toa second washer surface (e.g., second washer surface 328 of FIG. 3) ofwasher 106, secures washer 106 to mounting plate 102. Moreover, firstadhesive layer 108 and/or a second adhesive layer 110 substantiallyreduce or eliminate water or fluid penetration between washer 106 andmounting plate 102 and washer 106 and another component, respectively.

FIG. 2 shows a bolt 204, according to one embodiment of the presentarrangements, and that is substantially similar to bolt 104 of FIG. 1.Bolt 204 includes a shaft portion 230, a head portion 232, and a sealinggroove 234 which are substantially similar to their counterparts in FIG.1 (i.e., shaft portion 130, a head portion 132, and a sealing groove134). Head portion 232 includes an underside region 244 and a protrudingregion 246 that extends a distance from underside region 244.Additionally, underside region 244 has defined therein a sealing groove234 that is designed to receive a sealing ring.

Shaft portion 230 extends from head portion 232 and includes a threadedportion 238, a non-threaded portion of a complementary shape 240 and anon-threaded portion of another shape 242. Shaft portion 230 extendsfrom underside region 244. A length of shaft portion 230, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present arrangements, has a value that rangesbetween about 0.25 inches and about 6 inches, in a preferred embodimentof the present arrangements, has a value that ranges between about 0.5inches and about 4 inches, and, in a more preferred embodiment of thepresent arrangements, has a value that ranges between about 1 inch andabout 2.5 inches.

The non-threaded portion includes a non-threaded portion of acomplementary shape 240 and a non-threaded portion of another shape 242.Non-threaded portion of a complementary shape 240 extends an extendingdistance from underside region 244. The extending distance ofnon-threaded portion of a complementary shape 240, one embodiment of thepresent arrangements, has a value that ranges between about 0.05 inchesand about 0.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment of the presentarrangements, the extending distance has a value that ranges betweenabout .05 inches and about 0.25 inches, and, in a more preferredembodiment of the present arrangements, the extending distance has avalue that ranges between about 0.1 inches and about 0.15 inches.

Non-threaded portion of a complementary shape 240 is a shape that issubstantially similar to a plate aperture a particular shape (e.g.,plate aperture of a particular shape 118 of FIG. 1). In other words, theparticular shape of the mounting plate aperture is substantially similarand complementary to non-threaded portion of a complementary shape 240.In an assembled configuration of the equipment mounting system(equipment mounting system 100 of FIG. 1). the particular shape of themounting plate aperture engages with non-threaded portion of acomplementary shape 240 to prevent rotational displacement of bolt 104around the mounting plate. In a preferred embodiment of the presentarrangements, the shape of non-threaded portion of a complementary shape240 is a quadrupedal.

Non-threaded portion of another shape 242 extends an extending distancefrom non-threaded portion of a complementary shape 240. The extendingdistance of non-threaded portion of another shape 242, one embodiment ofthe present arrangements, has a value that ranges between about 0.01inches and about 0.25 inches. In a preferred embodiment of the presentarrangements, the extending distance of non-threaded portion of anothershape 242 has a value that ranges from about 0.01 inches to about 0.65inches, and, in a more preferred embodiment of the present arrangements,has a value that ranges from about 0.02 inches to about 0.04 inches.Preferably, the extending distance of non-threaded portion of anothershape 242 is greater than a thickness of the washer (e.g., washer 106 ofFIG. 1).

Non-threaded portion of another shape 242, in one aspect of the presentarrangements, has a diameter that is less than a major diameter (i.e.,the largest diameter of a bolt thread) of threaded portion 238. Thediameter of non-threaded portion of another shape 242, in one embodimentof the present arrangements, has a value that ranges between about 0.125inches and about 1inch. In preferred embodiment of the presentarrangements, the diameter of non-threaded portion of another shape 242has a value that ranges between about 0.25 inches and about 0.5 inches,and, in a more preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, rangesbetween about 0.25 inches and about 0.45 inches.

Threaded portion 238 extends from non-threaded portion of another shape242. The length of threaded portion 238, one embodiment of the presentarrangements, has a value that ranges between about 0.25 inches andabout 6 inches. In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements,the length of threaded portion 238 has a value that ranges between about0.5 inches and about 4. In a more preferred embodiment of the presentarrangements, the length of threaded portion 238 has a value that rangesbetween about 1 inch and about 2.5 inches.

A major diameter of threaded portion 238, in a preferred embodiment ofthe present arrangements, is greater than a diameter of scored apertureof a washer (e.g., scored aperture 114 of washer 106 of FIG. 1). Themajor diameter of threaded portion 238, in one embodiment of the presentarrangements, has a value that ranges between about 0.125 inches andabout 1 inch. In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, themajor diameter of threaded portion 238 has a value that ranges betweenabout 0.25 inches about 0.75 inches. In a more preferred embodiment ofthe present arrangements, the major diameter of threaded portion 238 hasa value that ranges between about 0.375 inches and about 0.5 inches.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section of a washer 306, according to oneembodiment of the present arrangements, and that is substantiallysimilar to washer 106 of FIG. 1. Washer 306 has defined therein scoredaperture 314, and includes an engaging portion 315, and a radiallyextending score 316, each of which are substantially similar to theircounterparts in FIG. 1 (i.e., scored aperture 114, engaging portion 115,and radially extending scores 116.) Washer 306 further includes a firstwasher surface 326 and a second washer surface 328. As discussed above,in one embodiment of the present arrangements, second washer surface 328is adjacent to a mounting plate (e.g., mounting plate 102 of FIG. 1) andfirst washer surface 326 is adjacent another installation component(e,g., sealing patch 554 of FIG. 5).

A diameter of scored aperture 314, in a preferred implementation of thepresent arrangements, is less than the diameter of a threaded portion(e.g., threaded portion 238 of FIG. 2) of a bolt (e,g., bolt 204 of FIG.2) and less than a diameter of a non-threaded portion of another shape(e.g,, non-threaded portion of another shape 242 of FIG. 2) of the bolt.The diameter of scored aperture 314, in one embodiment of the presentarrangements, has value that ranges between about 0.1 inches and about0.99 inches. In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, thediameter of scored aperture 314 has a value that ranges between about0.2inches and about 0.73inches. In a more preferred embodiment of thepresent arrangements, the diameter of scored aperture 314 has a valuethat ranges between about 0.33 inches and about 0.475 inches.

Each end of engaging portion 315 that is adjacent to scored aperture314, in one aspect of the present arrangements, is angled or bent awayfrom washer 306. In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements,the bent end of engaging portion 315 is bent away from second washersurface 328 and towards first washer surface 326. In other words, that abend angle, between first washer surface 326 and engaging portion 315,is less than a bend angle, between second washer surface 328 andengaging portion 315.

When a threaded portion (e.g., threaded portion 238 of FIG. 2) of a boltis pushed through scored aperture 314 the bolt enters scored aperture314 from second washer surface 328. As the threaded portion of the boltcontacts scored aperture 314, the bent end of engaging portion 315allows the bolt to more easily traverse through scored aperture 314 andnot engage in each gap defined between adjacent threads.

In one embodiment of the present teachings, washer 306 has a curvedshape, wherein a center region of washer 306, i.e., a location of scoredaperture 314, is elevated relative to an exterior edge of washer 306. Inthis embodiment, washer 306 acts as a spring and generates a restoringforce, or spring force, if the elevated portion of washer 306 iscompressed. The restoring force is a force that returns a washer 306 toits equilibrium after it has been displaced or deflected. By way ofexample, if a downward force of a sufficient quantity is applied to thecenter region of washer 306, the center region of washer 306 willdeflect until washer 306 is relatively flat, that is the center regionand the edges of washer 306 reside on substantially the same plane. Whenthe force is removed, the restoring force washer 308 returns washer 306to a conical shape. The restoring force of washer 306 with a conicalshape translationally displaces or moves a bolt that is engaged withengaging portion 315, in vertical direction.

FIGS. 4A and 4B shows a cross-section of an equipment mounting system400 in a partially assembled state (hereinafter also referred to as a“partially assembled equipment mounting system”) and equipment mountingsystem 400′an assembled state (hereinafter also referred to as a“assembled equipment mounting system”). Partially assembled equipmentmounting system 400 includes a sealing ring 412 is not compressed,whereas, sealing ring 412′ of assembled equipment mounting system 400′is compressed and provides a watertight seal.

Partially assembled equipment mounting system 400 and assembledequipment mounting system 400′ of FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively, aresubstantially similar to equipment mounting system 100 of FIG. 1.Partially assembled equipment mounting system 400 and assembledequipment mounting system 400′ include a mounting plate 402 and 402′, abolt 404 and 404′, a washer 406 and 406′, and sealing ring 412 and 412′,are which are substantially similar to their counterparts in FIG. 1(i.e., mounting plate 102, bolt 104, washer 106, and sealing ring 112,respectively).

In partially assembled equipment mounting system 400, mounting plate 402is adjacent to a support structure 450 such that a first mounting platesurface 421 contacts support structure 450. A head portion of bolt 404also contacts support structure 450 and at least a portion of bolt 404protrudes through a plate aperture of a particular shape (e.g., plateaperture of a particular shape 118 of FIG. 1). In a preferred embodimentof the present arrangements, threaded portion 438 and at least some ofnon-threaded portion of another shape 442 extend beyond second mountingplate surface 423 when bolt 404 protrudes through the plate aperture ofa particular shape. To this end, equipment (e.g., a solar module) may besecured to threaded portion 438.

A scored aperture (e.g., scored aperture 114 of FIG. 1) of washer 406surrounds threaded portion 438 of bolt 404. An engaging portion 415 ofwasher 406 is deflected by presence of threaded portion 438. Thedeflection of engaging portion 415 increases a diameter of the scoredaperture to allow receipt of threaded portion 438 and reduce a resistingforce as washer 406 over threaded portion 438. Additionally, a secondwasher surface 428, in partially assembled equipment mounting system400, is not in contact with second mounting plate surface 423.

Sealing ring 412, in one embodiment on the present arrangements, isinstalled in sealing groove 434 but is not in contact with a firstmounting plate surface 421. Therefore, sealing ring 412 does notfunction as a seal between mounting plate 402 and bolt 404. In anotherembodiment of the present teachings, however, sealing ring 412 contactsfirst mounting plate surface 421 but is not compressed between firstmounting plate surface 421 and sealing groove 434. By way of example,when bolt 404 is inserted through mounting plate 402 and head portion432 contacts support structure 450, an installed sealing ring 412contacts, but is not compressed by, first mounting plate surface 421.The uncompressed sealing ring 412, in partially assembled equipmentmounting system 400, does not form a substantially waterproof sealbetween mounting plate 402 and bolt 404.

A head portion 432 (of bolt 404), in one aspect of the presentarrangements, is disposed within a cavity defined inside a firstmounting plate surface 421 and support structure 450. Preferably, thecavity has defined therein an allowable space for all of head portion432 and head portion 432 does not extend beyond a plane defined by afirst mounting plate surface 421. In other words, when bolt 404 isinserted through mounting plate 402 and mounting plate 402 is placed onsupport structure 450, the cavity prevents bolt 404 from obstructingcontact between support structure 450 and first mounting plate surface421. Thus, at least a portion of support structure 450 contacts andsupports mounting plate 402.

Additionally, another preferred embodiment of the present arrangements,at least a portion of a non-threaded portion of a complementary shape440 of bolt 404 engages with the plate aperture of the particular shape.In an engaged state, bolt 404 is unable rotate in a rotational manner.Thus, additional installation components may be threaded onto threadedportion 438 without bolt 404 rotating simultaneously.

In assembled equipment mounting system 400′, shown in FIG. 4B, thescored aperture of washer 406′ surrounds non-treaded portion of anothershape 442′ of bolt 404′. A portion of a second washer surface 438′contacts second mounting plate surface 423′. Engaging portion 415′ ofwasher 406′, however, does not contact second mounting plate surface423′. Rather, engaging portion 415′ engages with and is deflected bynon-threaded portion of another shape 442′. In one embodiment of thepresent arrangements, engaging portion 415′ contacts an intersection ofnon-threaded portion of another shape 442′ and threaded portion 438′.

As will be discussed in greater detail below (i.e., step 612 of FIG. 6),to enable compression of sealing ring 412′, washer 406′ directs alateral force, or spring force, on bolt 404′. The lateral force on bolt404′ compresses sealing ring 412′ between sealing groove 434′ and firstmounting plate surface 421′ to create a substantially water-proofbarrier or seal between bolt 404′ and first mounting plate surface 421′Additionally, where head portion 432′ was in contact with supportstructure 450′ in a partially assembled equipment mounting system (e.g.,partially assembled equipment mounting system 400 of FIG. 4A), in anassembled state, the lateral force raises head portion 432′ from supportstructure 450′.

In addition to the lateral force to compress sealing ring 412′,engagement between engaging portion 415′ and non-threaded portion ofanother shape 442′ inhibits lateral movement, in either direction, ofbolt 404 relative to mounting plate 402′. Moreover, non-threaded portionof a complementary shape 440′ of bolt 404′, in assembled equipmentmounting system 400′, engages with a plate aperture of a particularshape (e.g., plate aperture of a particular shape 118 of FIG. 1) toinhibit horizontal movement of bolt 404′ relative to mounting plate402′. Thus, bolt 404′, in assembled equipment mounting system 400′, isinhibited from moving in both a laterally and horizontally.

FIG. 5 shows an equipment mounting system 570, according to oneembodiment of the present arrangements, that is secured to a supportstructure 550. Equipment mounting system 570 includes an assembledequipment mounting system 500, which is substantially similar toassembled equipment mounting system 400′ in FIG. 4B. In particular, amounting plate 502, a bolt 504, a washer 506, and sealing ring 512 ofassembled equipment mounting system 500 are substantially similar tomounting plate 402′, bolt 404′, washer 406′, and sealing ring 412′ ofassembled equipment mounting system 400′, respectively.

One or more securing fasteners 562, each disposed through a securingaperture 522 and secured to support structure 550, fasten assembledequipment mounting system 500 to support structure 550. In a preferredembodiment of the present arrangements, a support structure membrane 552is disposed between support structure 550 and mounting plate 502 of anassembled equipment mounting system to protect and/or a provide awater-proof barrier for support structure 550.

In a preferred embodiment of the present arrangements, equipmentmounting system 570 includes sealing patch 554, which substantiallycovers assembled equipment mounting system 400, to provide anotherwater-proof barrier. Sealing patch 554 extends beyond an exterior edgeof mounting plate 502 and includes a bolt aperture through which bolt504 protrudes. Preferably, a portion of sealing patch 554 is disposedadjacent to and contacts at least a portion of washer 506 and a portionmounting plate 502. A portion of sealing patch 554 that extend beyondthe exterior edge of mounting plate 502 is secured to support structure550 and/or support structure membrane 552. Preferably, sealing patch 554is secured to support structure 550 and/or support structure membrane552 using an adhesive.

To provide a water-proof barrier around bolt 504, a sealing washer 556surrounds a shaft portion (e.g., shaft portion 230 of FIG. 2) of bolt504 and is adjacent to top surface of sealing patch 554. A securingwasher 558 is placed adjacent to sealing washer 556 such that sealingwasher 556 is sandwiched between the top surface of sealing patch 554and securing washer 558. Further, a securing nut 560 is threaded onto athreaded portion (e.g., threaded portion 238 of FIG. 2) of bolt 504 toapply a sealing force or load to securing washer 558, which istransferred to sealing washer 556. Thus, sealing washer 556, which issandwiched between the top surface of sealing patch 554 and securingwasher 558 and under a load, inhibits transmission of moisture betweensealing washer 556 and bolt 504 and also between sealing washer 556 andsealing patch 554.

In another embodiment of the present arrangements, a second sealingwasher surround the shaft portion of bolt 504 and is adjacent to abottom surface of sealing patch 554. A first adhesive layer secures afirst surface of the second sealing washer to sealing patch 554 and asecond adhesive layer secures a second surface of the second sealingwasher to mounting plate 502. The second sealing washer further reducesor eliminates water or fluid penetration between bolt 504 and sealingpatch 554.

The present teachings offer, among other things, different methods ofassembling an equipment installation assembly. FIG. 6 shows a method ofassembling an equipment installation assembly, according to oneembodiment of the present teachings. Method 600 includes a step 602,which includes obtaining a bolt (e.g., bolt 104 of FIG. 1). In apreferred embodiment to the present teachings, the bolt includes a headportion (e.g., head portion 132 of FIG. 1) and a shaft portion (e.g.,shaft portion 130 of FIG. 1). The head portion includes a protrudingregion (e.g., protruding region 246 of FIG. 2) and an underside region(e.g, underside region 244 of FIG. 2). The underside region has definedtherein a sealing groove (e.g., sealing groove 234 of FIG. 2) that isdesigned to receive a sealing ring (e.g., sealing ring 112 of FIG. 1),The shaft portion connects to the head portion and has a threadedportion e.g,, threaded portion 238 of FIG. 2) and a non-threaded portionthat is of a complementary shape (e.g., non-threaded portion of acomplementary shape 240 of FIG. 2) to the plate aperture.

Next, a step 604 includes installing a sealing ring (e.g., sealing ring112 of FIG. 1) inside the sealing groove to form a sealing bolt.

Then the process proceeds to step 606. This step 606 involves insertingthe sealing bolt through a plate aperture of a particular shape (e.g.,plate aperture of a particular shape 118 of FIG. 1) defined at or near acenter region of a mounting plate (e.g., mounting plate 102 of FIG. 1)such that the sealing ring contacts a first mounting plate surface(e.g., first mounting plate surface 421 of FIG. 4A). In a preferredembodiment of the present teachings, the bolt's non-threaded portion ofa complementary shape engages with the plate aperture of a particularshape. Thus, the bolt is prevented from rotating within plate apertureof a particular shape and from moving in a translational or horizontaldirection.

Following step 606, a step 608 is implemented and includes obtaining awasher (e.g., washer 106 of FIG. 1) having defined therein, at or near acenter region, an aperture (e.g., scored aperture 114 of FIG. 1) havingmultiple radially extending scores (e.g, extending scores 116 of FIG.1). In a preferred embodiment of the present teachings, step 608includes a step of applying an adhesive to each washer surface (e.g.,first washer surface 326 and second washer surface 328 of FIG. 3).

Next, a step 610 includes engaging the washer aperture with the boltsuch that multiple engaging portions (e.g., engaging portion 115 ofFIG. 1) of the washer, each of which is defined between two radiallyextending scorings, protrude away from the mounting plate. As discussedabove, in one embodiment of the present teachings, a diameter of thewasher aperture is less than a major diameter of the threaded portionand the non-threaded portion of another shape. As shown in FIG. 4A, whenthe washer aperture is engaged with the bolt, multiple engaging portionsof the washer deflect away from the threaded portion and thenon-threaded portion of another shape and protrude away from themounting plate.

A step 612 includes applying a force that drives the washer towards anon-threaded portion (e.g., non-threaded portion of another shape 242 ofFIG. 2) of the bolt. The force against the washer generates, within thewasher, a spring loading action towards the mounting plate andcompresses the sealing ring against a first surface of the mountingplate, in a preferred embodiment of the present teachings, the force isa lateral force and is applied substantially uniformly along a diameterof the washer and against the first washer surface.

By way of example, a tool, having a length of a hollow cylinder, may beused to apply the force. The hollow portion or cavity within the tool isplaced over the bolt, such that the bolt is disposed within the hollowportion of the hollow cylinder, until an end of the hollow cylinder isadjacent to the first washer surface. A lateral force, applied by thehollow cylinder, against the first washer surface pushes the washer froma threaded portion of the bolt to the non-threaded portion of anothershape. Furthermore, the lateral force pushes the second washer surfaceagainst the second mounting plate surface (e.g., second mounting platesurface 423 of FIG. 4A) such that a portion of the second washer surfacecontacts the second mounting plate surface.

In receiving a diameter of non-threaded portion of another shape, themultiple engaging portions of the washer deflect away from the mountingplate. The deflection of the multiple engaging portions causes a portionof the second washer surface to deflect in an opposing direction.However, contact between the second washer surface and the secondmounting plate surface prevents the washer from deflecting. Rather, thewasher generates a deflecting force or spring load against the secondmounting plate surface. The deflecting force pulls a head portion (e.g.,head portion 232 of FIG. 2) the bolt towards the first mounting platesurface, which compresses the sealing ring.

Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present teachings that utilize aconical washer, the lateral force at least partially displaces theconical washer and generates a lateral restoring force or spring forcein the conical washer. Recall that when the lateral force is removed,the lateral restoring force returns the conical washer to an equilibriumposition. The washer, which is engaged with the bolt, transfers thelateral restoring force to bolt. When the lateral force is removed, thelateral restoring force acting on the bolt compresses the sealing ringagainst the first mounting plate surface.

Although illustrative embodiments of the present teachings andarrangements are shown and described in terms of equipment mountingsystems, other modifications, changes, and substitutions are intended.By way of example, other type of equipment, which are different fromsolar modules, may well be used in connection with the present teachingsand arrangements. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the disclosure beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of thedisclosure, as set forth in the following claims.

1. An equipment mounting system comprising: a mounting plate havingdefined therein, at a center region, a plate aperture of a particularshape; a bolt having a shaft portion including a threaded portion anon-threaded portion that is of a complementary shape that complementssaid particular shape of said plate aperture, and a non-threaded portionof another shape; a washer having defined therein, at a center region, ascored aperture that includes multiple radially extending scorings andmultiple engaging portions, each of which is defined between tworadially extending scorings, that protrude in one direction; and whereinin an assembled configuration of said mounting plate, said bolt and saidwasher, said plate aperture of said particular shape aligns with saidscored aperture such that said plate aperture of said particular shapereceive said non-threaded portion of said complementary shape, saidplate aperture of said particular shape of said mounting plate engageswith said complementary shape of said bolt to prevent rotationaldisplacement of said bolt around said mounting plate and said multipleengaging portions. engaging with said non-threaded portion of anothershape, protrude away from said mounting plate to provide spring loadingaction towards said plate.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The equipment installationassembly of claim 1 wherein said multiple engaging portions engage withsaid bolt to prevent translational displacement of said bolt relative tosaid mounting plate.
 4. The equipment mounting system of claim 1,wherein both flat surfaces of said washer have applied thereon anadhesive that serves as a substantially water-proof seal, and in saidassembled configuration, a first surface of said washer adheres to asecond mounting plate surface.
 5. The equipment mounting system of claim1, wherein said bolt comprises a sealing groove designed to receive asealing ring, and in said assembled configuration, said sealing ringseals an underside of a first mounting plate surface.
 6. The equipmentmounting system of claim 5, wherein in said assembled configuration,said sealing ring contacts and is compressed by presence of said firstsurface of said mounting plate.
 7. The equipment installation assemblyof claim 4, wherein said adhesive of a second surface of said washer isdesigned to adhere to a sealing patch.
 8. A bolt comprising: a headportion including a protruding region and an underside region, andwherein said underside region has defined therein a sealing groove thatis designed to receive a sealing ring; a shaft portion that connects tosaid head portion, and said shaft portion has a threaded portion and anon-threaded portion that is of a complementary shape; and wherein in anassembled configuration, said bolt engages with a mating component suchthat said complementary shape of said bolt complements and engages witha particular shape of said mating component to prevent rotationaldisplacement of said bolt relative to said mating component.
 9. The boltof claim 8, wherein said sealing ring is an o-ring.
 10. The bolt ofclaim 8, wherein said non-threaded portion includes a complementaryshape that is a substantially square shape and another shape that issubstantially circular.
 11. A method of assembling an equipment mountingsystem, said method comprising: obtaining a bolt comprising: a headportion including a protruding region and an underside region, andwherein said underside region has defined therein a sealing groove thatis designed to receive a sealing ring; a shaft portion that connects tosaid head portion, and said shaft portion has a threaded portion and anon-threaded portion that is of a complementary shape; installing asealing ring inside said sealing groove to form a sealing bolt;inserting said sealing bolt through a plate aperture of a particularshape defined at or near a center region of a mounting plate such thatsaid sealing ring contacts a first surface of said mounting plate;obtaining a washer having defined therein, at or near a center region,an aperture having multiple radially extending scorings; engaging saidaperture with said bolt such that multiple engaging portions of saidwasher, each of which is defined between two radially extendingscorings, protrude away from said mounting plate; and applying a forcethat drives said washer towards a non-threaded portion of said bolt toprovide spring loading action towards said mounting plate and compressesthe sealing ring against a first surface of said mounting plate.
 12. Themethod of assembling an equipment mounting system of claim 11, furthercomprising: applying a first adhesive layer to a first washer surfaceand applying a second adhesive layer to a second washer surface; andadhering, using said second adhesive layer, said second washer surfaceto a second mounting plate surface.
 13. The method of assembling anequipment mounting system of claim 11, wherein said inserting saidsealing bolt through said plate aperture of a particular shape furtherincludes aligning said plate aperture of said particular shape with saidnon-threaded portion that is of a complementary shape to preventrotational displacement of said bolt around said mounting plate.
 14. Themethod of assembling an equipment mounting system of claim 11, whereinsaid applying said force further comprising: deflecting a portion ofsecond washer surface to in an opposing direction of said multipleengaging portions; generating, using said deflecting, a deflecting forceor spring load between said second washer force and said second mountingplate surface; and pulling, using said deflecting force or said springforce, said head portion towards said first mounting plate surface.